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Photograph the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

El Prado, New Mexico

4.6/5
based on 5 reviews

Description

Added by Jason Hatfield

Explore one of the highest bridges in United States rising over 565 feet above the Rio Grande River.

Completed in 1965, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is the seventh highest bridge in the United States. The design is a steel deck arch bridge than spans 1280 feet and sits 565 feet high. The bridge has sidewalks and viewpoints of the gorge on each side with parking at the Rio Grande Gorge Rest Area providing the best access. To photograph the bridge and gorge take the trail south of the rest area a short ways to one of the viewpoints along the rim.

Just outside the rest area you'll typically find vendors selling native american arts and goods. If you're lucky you might also see some of the bighorn sheep that live along the gorge.

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Picnic Area
Scenic

Photograph the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge Reviews

If you are driving through I highly recommend stopping here, the gorge is beautiful, especially for a sunset or sunrise. There are plenty of things to do in the Taos area, this is an easy spot to get to, you will appreciate just how small we are by the size of the gorge.

This is worth a stop if you are anywhere near the area. Walk across the bridge, walks along the gorge, anywhere you go is going to beautiful with the lovely backdrop of the taos mountains. While you're in the area stop by Taos Mesa Brewing just down the street for some amazing nachos, killer local beer, a great indoor/outdoor environment, and almost always live music. This bridge has been featured in many movies including Terminator 3 and Natural Born Killers.

If you are just passing through Taos, definitely take advantage of this opportunity, but if you are in the area, there are so many other great things to do at the gorge. There is fantastic hiking, horse back riding, fishing, camping, and rafting (check out: https://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/taos/rio_grande_wsr.html for more information).

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge Trail

Manby Hot Springs

Relax in Black Rock Hot Springs

Hotel Luna Mystica & Starlight Campground

Drive the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway

Camp at Cuchillo del Medio